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The following is an article by Dr. John MacArthur from August 9, 2001. I post this article here in its entirety.

Beer, Bohemianism, and True Christian Liberty

If everything you know about Christian living came from blogs and websites in the young-and-restless district of the Reformed community, you might have the impression that beer is the principal symbol of Christian liberty.

After all, in a culture where cool is everything, what could be a better lubricant for one’s testimony than a frosty pint?

Of course, beer is by no means the only token of cultural savvy frequently associated with young-and-restless religion. All kinds of activities deemed vices by mothers everywhere have been adopted as badges of Calvinist identity and thus “redeemed”: tobacco, tattoos, gambling, mixed martial arts, profane language, and lots of explicit talk about sex.

Cast a disapproving eye at any of those activities, and you are likely to be swarmed by restless reformers denouncing legalism and wanting to debate whether it’s a “sin” to drink wine or smoke a cigar. But without even raising the question of whether this or that specific activity is acceptable, indifferent, or out-and-out evil, we surely ought to be able to say that controlled substances and other symbols of secular society’s seamy side are not what the church of Jesus Christ ought to wish to be known for. In fact, until fairly recently, no credible believer in the entire church age would ever have suggested that so many features evoking the ambiance of a pool hall or a casino could also be suitable insignia for the people of God.

It is puerile and irresponsible for any pastor to encourage the recreational use of intoxicants—especially in church-sponsored activities. The ravages of alcoholism and drug abuse in our culture are too well known, and no symbol of sin’s bondage is more seductive or more oppressive than booze. I have ministered to hundreds of people over the years who have been delivered from alcohol addiction. Many of them wage a daily battle with fleshly desires made a thousand times more potent because of that addiction. The last thing I would ever want to do is be the cause of stumbling for one of them.

Besides, deliberately cultivating an appetite for beer or a reputation for loving liquor is not merely bad missional strategy and a bad testimony; it is fraught with deadly spiritual dangers. The damage is clearly evident in places where the strategy has been touted. Darrin Patrick, who helped pioneer “Theology at the Bottleworks,” acknowledges the gravity of the problem:

As I coach and mentor church planters and pastors, I am shocked at the number of them who are either addicted or headed toward addiction to alcohol. Increasingly, the same is true with prescription drugs. One pastor I know could not relax without several beers after work and could not sleep without the aid of a sleeping pill. [Church Planter (Wheaton: Crossway, 2010), 51]

In biblical times, wine was necessary for health reasons. The risk of amoebae and parasites in drinking water could be significantly reduced or eliminated by mixing the water with a little wine (1 Timothy 5:23). The result was a greatly diluted wine that had virtually no potential for making anyone drunk. Purified tap water and refrigeration make even that use of wine unnecessary today.

Contrary to the current mythology, abstinence is no sin—least of all for someone devoted to ministry (Leviticus 10:9; Proverbs 31:4; Luke 1:15). It is, of course, a sin to give one’s mind over to the influence of alcohol or to bedeck one’s reputation with deliberate symbols of debauchery. As a matter of fact, drunkenness and debauchery are the very antithesis of Spirit-filled sanctification (Ephesians 5:18)—and men who indulge in them are not qualified to be spiritual leaders.

Yes, I realize Jesus Himself was referred to by His enemies as “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matthew 11:19). But He was none of the things that expression implied—nor did He seek such a reputation.

He was indeed “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” in the sense that He specialized in lifting them up out of the miry clay and setting their feet on a rock. But He did not adopt or encourage their lifestyle. He did not embrace their values or employ expletives borrowed from their vocabulary in order to win their admiration or gain membership in their fraternity. He confronted their wickedness and rebuked their sins as boldly as He preached against the errors of the Pharisees (Matthew 18:7-9).

Note, too, that He ate and drank with Pharisees (Luke 7:36) as readily as He ate and drank with publicans. The only significant difference was that the typical tax collector was more inclined to confess his own desperate need for divine forgiveness than the average self-righteous Pharisee (Mark 2:16-17; Luke 18:1-14).

But there is no suggestion in Scripture that Jesus purposely assumed the look and lifestyle of a publican in order to gain acceptance in a godless subculture. He didn’t.

This tendency to emblazon oneself with symbols of carnal indulgence as if they were valid badges of spiritual identity is one of the more troubling aspects of the YRR movement’s trademark restlessness. It is wrong-headed, carnal, and immature to imagine that bad-boy behavior makes good missional strategy. The image of beer-drinking Bohemianism does nothing to advance the cause of Christ’s kingdom.

Slapping the label “incarnational” on strategies such as this doesn’t alter their true nature. They have more in common with Lot, who pitched his tent toward Sodom, than with Jesus, who is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

Real Christian liberty is not about flouting taboos and offending conventional notions of propriety. The liberty in which we stand begins with full indemnity from the law’s threats and condemnation—meaning we are at peace with God (Romans 5:1; 8:1). Christian liberty also removes the restrictions of the law’s ceremonial commandments (Colossians 2:16-17)—freeing us from asceticism, superstition, sensuality, and “human precepts and teachings” (vv. 18-23).

But sober-minded self-control and maturity are virtues commanded and commended by Scripture; these are not manmade rules or legalistic standards. As a matter of fact, one of the main qualifications for both deacons and elders in the church is that they cannot be given to much wine. In other words, they are to be known for their sobriety, not for their consumption of beer.

It should not take a doctor of divinity to notice that Scripture consistently celebrates virtues such as self-control, sober-mindedness, purity of heart, the restraint of our fleshly lusts, and similar fruits of the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in our lives. Surely these are what we ought hold in highest esteem, model in our daily lives, and honor on our websites, rather than trying so hard to impress the world with unfettered indulgence in the very things that hold so many unbelievers in bondage.

Our church is in the midst of an incredible journey toward a better understanding of worship. I’m not sure this journey is ever complete until we get to heaven. But I do think we can dispel some myths and gain a deeper realization this side of heaven.

My hope has been to challenge our people to grow in their prayer lives and in their passion for worship. We’ve provided a daily devotional for everyone, a weekly family devotion, small group lessons, as well as a Sunday morning sermon all centered around the same theme.

Our culture, specifically our current church culture, has defined worship very narrowly. Most people think it has to do with a style of music or the type of song. Confusion about worship is not new. In fact, John 4 records a woman who had similar questions about worship. She was concerned about the external symbols of worship and not the internal realities of worship.

In John 4:24, Jesus responds to her and says, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” He adds that God is seeking those kind of worshippers! I will readily admit that I don’t know everything that means. But I do know a few things. Continue reading →

2014 Is Going To Be An Incredible Year! Everything we do as a church is centered on connecting with God in worship, growing in Christ-likeness, and serving in ministry and mission. It’s a simple process with profound implications. A fully-devoted follower of Christ will faithfully connect, grow, and serve. Building on this foundation, 2014 is going to be our Year of Connect at Second Baptist Church. Here’s what the Year of Connect will look like:Continue reading →

Today, in a landmark and wide-sweeping decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (among other things). While I don’t pretend to understand all of the implications that exist here legally, one thing I know for sure – traditional marriage took a big hit. Because of this ruling, gay couples have the same rights federally as straight couples. This is a major battle lost for supporters of traditional marriage. And it seems to be a major step on the way to legalizing same-sex marriage completely.

While the moral decay and cultural decline of our country is stunningly evident, some secularists view it as progress. Sadly, they view the decline of traditional values and the destruction of the family as necessary to accomplish their agenda.

As followers of Christ, what should we do? How should we respond? It’s easy to bemoan the moral slide of our nation. Many have been predicting it for years. It’s easy to curse the darkness. It seems to be ever-growing. But there must be a clear and compelling Christ-centered response in moments like this. Here’s what I say… Continue reading →

Summer doesn’t slow down for churches. In fact, the opposite is true. While many people travel, go on vacation, visit family, and hit the lake, the church takes it up a notch when it comes to ministry. Summer is one of the most busy and fruitful times in the life of the church.

For instance. The first week of June was Beach Retreat, last week was College Week, this week is VBS. Then in July we have Preteen Camp, and missions trips to Brazil, the Ukraine, Las Vegas, Cherokee, NC, and around our city. Busy, busy, busy.

But this week is Vacation Bible School week here at the church. And, if you know anything about Vacation Bible School, it is anything but a vacation for the workers. A lot of planning, preparation, prayer, and (something else that starts with a “p”) went into this week. The goal is to show genuine love to kids and families, teach them the Word of God, and see many saved through the grace of Jesus Christ.

With all the energy and activity around here this week I began to think – I really love this time! It’s a joy to see all the kids, workers, leaders, helpers, and teachers. There are several reasons I love VBS. Continue reading →